Stoke Park
This iconic Palladian wedding cake of a building is just 35 minutes from London and sits in 300 splendid acres of parkland, lakes and formal gardens. James Bond and Goldfinger played golf here, while Bridget Jones and Daniel Cleaver larked about on the lake, proving Stoke Park is the quintessential English country retreat.
The 27-hole Harry Colt-designed parkland course is beautiful. If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, the Stoke Park Spa, housed in the separate Pavilion building, is a stunning, serene escape specialising in Thalgo treatments using marine algae and ocean minerals, plus there’s a huge range of indulgent face and body rituals. Alternatively CACI microcurrent and microdermabrasion facials tackle lines and wrinkles. Wile the rest of the day away in the indoor heated pool with hydro-seats, marble steam room and deep relaxation room. For more energetic types the 4500 sq ft gym is impressive, or try spinning, pilates or hot yoga.
